What are /r/PublicSpeaking's favorite Products & Services?

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How often do you practice? If you're doing public speaking that includes regular components (ie reviewing the latest stats, upcoming news) you can practice in advance and have a "stump speech" something you say at every meeting that gets you warmed up. Example: "thank you for attending, now let's go over the agenda for the meeting, etc...". I found that if I practice anything I will say ahead of time, it gets all the kinks out.

Once you've practiced a "stump speech", do it again, but have some rap music (or country music, or any kind of music you HATE) playing to distract you. The idea is that you should expect disruptions and practicing ahead of time in expectation of that will make your speech bulletproof.

Also, STRONGLY recommend this book. It has brilliant ideas on how to perform under pressure

https://www.amazon.com/Choke-Secrets-Brain-Reveal-Getting/dp/1416596186

I’m sorry about your experience, but admire that you want to take actions to improve yourself.

Many people who seem a natural leader have had conditioning from their upbringing (parents who have great communication or social skills or similar). Not everyone has access but if you try hard enough and are willing to put in the time, it’s never too late.

A great book I read on this subject is ‘Speak Like A Leader’ by Judith Humphrey. I also attended their one day in person training. Here’s the link to their book. Speaking As a Leader: How to Lead Every Time You Speak...From Board Rooms to Meeting Rooms, From Town Halls to Phone Calls https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1118141016/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9A2S18X4MZT15DDPCW1C

I organize daily impromptu practice if you’d like to give it a try: https://discord.gg/MYMyNAufD9

No other book has had more influence on my speaking than Kristi Hedges ‘The Power of Influence’. She is also a Forbes write and wrote an article about why she quit her career as a public speaking coach. She’s pragmatic and convincing.

Here’s a link to the book: The Power of Presence: Unlock Your Potential to Influence and Engage Others https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0060LHDUS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RQDCRVB6G9JA0B2A5S56

Here’s her article ‘Confessions of a Former Public Speaking Trainer: Don't Waste Your Money’: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristihedges/?sh=365deedf7e58

Not to dash your hopes...but I've used beta blockers (for fat loss...long story). They don't do as much as you'd think. I'd look into exposure therapy instead. It's how they used to treat soldiers with PTSD.

Also I recommend a book "Choke" https://www.amazon.com/Choke-Secrets-Brain-Reveal-Getting/dp/1416596186

It talks about how to perform in high pressure situations.

TL;DR - practice in a noisy environment (play music you hate when you rehearse a speech). Do it a LOT. Practice your speech from BACK to FRONT (give end first, then middle, then beginning).

I write and teach on this very topic. Rather than give one long answer (that could run for 20 pages :-)) could I point you to a few articles that sum up the essence of good speaking, getting nerves under control and making a great impression on the audience?

Speaking hacks

And all the articles that start with Public Speaking 10x: xxxx xxx xx. You can pick and choose the ones that you believe you need:

Presentation Skills

I felt no different than you did. Stumbled upon this copy of a book called 'Speechless' by Roshan Abbas a successful Indian Entrepreneur who began his career as a Radio Jockey. He shares in his book actual examples and real life situations and tips to deal with him and how it works for practically anyone. It's co-written by Siddharth Banerjee, Director at Facebook India another prominent corporate leader. The book not just addresses public speaking but just improving communication skills and how to leave people speechless.

Speechless: What would you say if your life depended on it? https://www.amazon.in/dp/9387146758/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_7.fuDb4N5ZDWH

I'd recommend reading a few books on public speaking to help your presentation skills. "Made to Stick" by the Chip and Dan Heath, and "Resonate" by Nancy Duarte are two great books to start with.

I was a member of Toastmasters for a year. A lot of it depends on the club you're a part of. If they're motivated, preparing for their speeches, and giving good evaluations you can learn a lot.

Check out /r/meditation and /r/mindfulness

I started with a book:

http://www.amazon.com/Mindfulness-English-Bhante-Henepola-Gunaratana/dp/0861719069

There are plenty of other books depending on what slant you want (religious, secular, etc). That book is somewhat inbetween.

There are tons of videos online. There are apps like Insight Timer with many guided meditations on mindfulness.

There are paid services like Headspace that guide you through the process.

I personally am a mindfulness coach so I teach online and offline. You can probably find a teacher or coach nearby if you live in a major city. If not, you can probably find a Buddhist who would be willing to teach you.

Start today - you can start here: http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/how-to-meditate

Practice that for 5 - 10 minutes a day for a few weeks. Then start reading and watching videos. You'll catch on. Persistence is key - it takes time and it progresses differently for everyone.

Folks,

I just released a major update right now, with speech analysis, customizable filler words, better UI, and more features. Welcome to have a try. Give me feedback please!

The app is free at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ak.peercoach .

Have you tried this app? Today is a great opportunity because it just had a big update, with much nicer UI, and many more to come.

Try it and let me know what features you want to add or change! The app is at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ak.peercoach